An Alabama student from Chelsea recently spends three months at a local children’s hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury. The 14-year-old suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after he fell off of a golf cart. The young man now needs to learn how to walk and talk again due to his brain injuries. He is now able to walk with the help of one aid, while immediately after the accident, he needed four people to help him walk. He faces months, if not years, of outpatient physical therapy as he continues to improve.
Recreational Activities are a Major Cause of Traumatic Brain Accidents
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that between 1.7 to 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur every year in the United States. As much as 10% of these traumatic brain injuries are caused by recreational activities and sports, including golf cart accidents. Sports and recreational activities are a significant cause of traumatic brain injuries in children and adolescents. Over 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among young people and children happen due to recreational activities and sports.
Traumatic brain injuries happen due to a blow or jolt to the head, a penetrating head wound, or they can be acquired. Recreational activities such as riding ATVs, or driving a golf cart can cause severe traumatic brain injuries. Many people assume that because ATVs or golf carts are not as big as passenger vehicles, they are not dangerous. Unfortunately, golf carts and ATVs are responsible for many traumatic brain injuries every year.
The CDC reports that transportation-related accidents accounted for over 49% of all traumatic brain injuries. These accidents involve bicycles, pedestrians, recreational vehicles, adn motor vehicles. Young adults, and those over the age of 75 have suffered traumatic brain injuries. When a motor vehicle crashes, the victim’s brain can slam into the dashboard, or the victim can fly out of the vehicle and hit his or her head on the ground or golf cart. Unfortunately, many young people who are involved in recreational vehicle accidents do not wear helmets, leaving them particularly exposed to traumatic brain injuries.
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Brain Injuries Caused by Recreational Activities Range in Severity
The severity of injuries caused by traumatic brain injuries depends on the accident. Many people who suffer a brain injury suffer mild concussion symptoms or mild physical trauma including lacerations and scalp contusions. Others suffer severe traumatic brain injuries as well as brain bleeds and comas.
It is essential to recognize when brain injuries have resulted in a hemorrhage or traumatic brain injury, which is why it is so important to seek a thorough medical examination immediately after a recreational or sports accident. Doctors will run tests to rule out severe brain damage. Recurrent minor brain injuries like multiple concussions from sports can result in more severe brain injuries over time.
The Long Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries caused by recreational or sports activities can lead to devastating effects. The young man mentioned above lost his ability to speak and find the right words. Many traumatic brain injury victims find it hard to express thoughts and words, or suffer from slurred speech. Additionally, cognition is often negatively affected by traumatic brain injuries. Victims may not become easily distracted, overstimulated by their environment, and unable to follow directions.
These cognitive symptoms can make it extremely difficult for people with traumatic brain injuries to maintain employment. They may feel confused, disoriented, and suffer other types of neuropsychological deficiencies. Additionally, those with traumatic brain injuries often suffer with persistent, or recurring headaches. Motor dysfunction can also happen in which they find it difficult to coordinate their motor functions. They may lose their ability to walk and need 24-hour assistance.
Recovering Compensation After a Traumatic Brain Injury
When another business or individual’s negligence caused your traumatic brain injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Brain injuries often affect your ability to provide for yourselves and your loved ones and cause you to need care either part-time or full-time. The best thing you can do after suffering a traumatic brain injury is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Heninger Garrison Davis, we have helped many clients obtain the compensation they deserve after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Contact our law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
